>>I want to check for duplicates before I commit a new record.
>>
>>My form uses bound text boxes and the 'Add' button appends a blank record. When the text boxes are filled in, and I search for a pre-existing record using the key fields, I find the record I'm adding!!!
>>
>>What is the right way to do this? Does it involve public/private datasessions - buffermode settings - etc.?
>>
>>Please be specific, this is driving me crazy...
>>
>>TIA
>
>Usually, INSERT-SQL is preferable to create new records, i.e. you generate unique key first and then use it to get a record.

So is this correct:
. none of the text boxes should be bound (have a controlsource)
. text boxes are 'blanked out' using code when the user presses 'Add'
. if the record is not a dupe, add it using INSERT SQL...

If this is correct, then I'd need code to display the record's data in the proper text box in the form's refresh method. For example:

THISFORM.txtName = CONTACT.NAME
THISFORM.txtAddr1 = CONTACT.ADDR1
THISFORM.txtAddr2 = CONTACT.ADDR2
.
.
.
etc...

Thanks for your prompt reply